Is Color Right for you?

Hello Naturals!

I hope everyone is having a great week. I wanted to talk about hair color. I'm currently battling my willpower   with this one. I love color. I especially love bright, bold and unique ways in which color can punch up your life or in this case, hair. (I have a feeling that after writing this, I'm going to want to color my hair....) Below are a few examples of the color I'm talking myself out of getting. lol! Under each photo lists the source as well as their story of making the color transition. 

(This is the color I am thinking about and I also want a touch of a lighter color in the front.)

(Something along those lines... of a lighter color)

(Looks like she has a mix of both of those colors combined)

First things first. It is important to research and consider what type of hair coloring process is right for you and the texture and most importantly, the health of your hair. I've been doing some reading and it makes sense that the lighter you go, the more damage you will incur and the more hair maintenance you will have to do in order to maintain your hair health.

(Wikipedia has a great breakdown of hair dyes. I'm going to list a few important facts of each) 

Permanent Hair Dyes:  

This is considered to be an oxidation type of process. In other words, hydrogen peroxide is used to lift the current hair color, to that of a lighter color. Ammonia is used also in the process to help "open" the hair and set the eventual dye color of your choosing. 

*This causes the most amount of hair damage because it alters the chemical makeup of hair. 

Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes:

Depending on the brand that is used, this type of hair dyeing process uses low to no (which, I'm not sure if I completely believe that) amounts of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. This process also allows for the color to eventually be washed out and is considered to be "safer" for hair that is highly susceptible to damage. It also states that this type of dyeing produces a more "natural" outcome and dye distribution, but that color varies from strand to strand.

*Still causes damage despite having lesser amounts of chemicals and it states that it does not actually lighten hair.

Demi-Permanent Hair Dyes:

Instead of using ammonia as the alkaline part of the hair dyeing equation, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is often used. The amount of hydrogen peroxide is lower than that of permanent hair color processes. This allows for an even more "natural" outcome and dyeing distribution because the process remains the closet to the original hair color. 

*Not quite as damaging, because of the sodium bicarbonate and lower amount of hydrogen peroxide, which does not fully lift the original hair color. Eventually washes out over time. (A longer period than Semi-Permanent hair color) 

Temporary Hair Color:

Considered to be the safest of the "chemical dyeing processes". Does not "bond" with the hair follicle and has a higher color saturation after application. Meaning the color is very bright and/or bold. Comes in many different forms and can usually be done at home and/or without the help of a colorist.

*If your hair is dry and/or damaged,the dye can actually stay in longer than desired as it can penetrate the hair follicle. Usually takes one wash to rinse out, but that is also dependent on the hair's porosity). 

Side Effects:

Skin irritation and allergies. Remember, most of these use harsh chemicals so it is important to do a strand test, patch test on your hair. (Especially if you're using a box kit). Can also cause skin discoloration. Again, the process used in the permanent and semi-permanent use chemicals that bleach the hair. There is a possibility that it will do that to your skin as well. Hair breakage. They suggest that if you want color done, to only do it once and then wait before having another coloring or chemical process done. 

Hair Dye Alternatives:

Many naturals use alternative ways to dye their hair, such as henna.

Henna (Lawsonia inermis):

A plant based natural dye that permanently bonds to the hair follicle. Heat activates the release of color and needs at least 4 hours to do its job. It does not lift color, but it does show color if you are trying to cover grays. 

Hair Chalking:

(Looks like she's using gloves and tissue so that is does not get every where)

This seems to be the newest hair color fad where one does not need to chemically lighten their hair in order to have color. If you have dark hair, it is recommended that you wet your hair first before applying the chalk. However, if you're hair is lighter, you don't necessarily need to wet your hair. You can use pastel chalk from your local craft store, or there's a product and video by Kevin Murphy where he demonstrates his hair chalking line. What I don't like is that he only has 3 colors and with the craft store pastels, you have a wider variety of color to choose from. (Also, might be a great way to test out a hair color before actually committing) Some of the cons is that hair can appear to look chalky and /or dry and that once the chalk is in, it can rub off on clothes. 

(Her results)

Whichever way you decide to color you hair, it is completely up to you. Personally, I may try the color chalking method before I go semi-permanent with my locks. Could be fun for a night out or photo shoot to change up the look without having to worry about hair damage. 

Until next time!